Your cheapest camera...

Like most folks that collect cameras I have been given many by others that know it, but I know free doesn't count in this category. By far my best buy was at a neighbors 1999 garage sale, their friend asked if she could try to sell some of her Dad's things, along with their own items. Camera was a Rolleicord Vb, Xenar 3.5. Case, manual, prism, lens hood, red, orange, yellow and H-1 (UV) filters, plus Rolleifix camera to tripod mount. Filthy, dusty condition, but after cleaning all was at least E++, lenses and all other glass perfect. Even the shutter seemed spot on at one second, self timer worked but not smoothly, drug a bit in places.

 

Film rolls still in bag expired in 1968, camera serial # indicates camera manufactured around 1963-64, so unit likely left unused for many years, with very limited use at that. Asking price was US $20.00, I felt no urge to negotiate downward, paid and left. While I was examining it, the husband pointed out that "even though this stuff is really old, the bag alone is worth it." And it was. Even today it seems a bit like I took advantage, on the other hand it was their asking price, and I paid the full amount. A bit of guilt? Yup, but I'm sure glad to have the camera.

 

After a nearly $260 full overhaul by Oceanside, plus the installation of a $200 brightscreen at time of overhaul, I guess I ended up paying a just price after all. But the camera serves very well to this day, and I'm sure happy that it found it's way to my home. It has, by the way, been entirely trouble free, with only one routine service along the way, that Harry does work wonders with Rollei's.

 

I don't look down my nose at garage sales anymore.

 

Patrick

A Canon A2 in very good shape with a sigma zoom and case (listed incorrectly on ebay) for $35, and a Petri color 1.9 rangefinder that takes great pictures at a flea market for $10. That camera is like new.

Film: Yashica Electro 35, Pentax ME Super, Argus C3 - all from thrift stores for a few bucks.

 

Digital: Canon SD450 for $69 from eBay, with extra batteries, cases, SD cards, and free shipping.

 

I think really cheap cameras - especially digital where you have literally no marginal expense per shot - help free you up mentally. You don't have to worry about breaking the camera, plus it seems easier to disrespect conventions since it's not a "serious" camera.

 

I also have a Canon G9, and I found that I was more creative with it after my father-in-law broke the LCD and I had it repaired. At that point I had already bid it farewell and it was back from the dead, like a free camera.

 

On the rare occasion that I don't make room in my pockets for even an ultracompact camera, I have fun taking photos with my phone. I have a few favorites that I took with my phone. Same thing I think - it's just the fun of using a camera that I didn't select as a serious photography tool.